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Get Patriotic this 4th of July! 12 Books about the Revolutionary War
Fireworks, barbecues, beach – and books! Make some time to celebrate Independence Day this year with a good read about well-known—and not too well-known—Revolutionary War figures who fought and sacrificed to grow our country.
George Washington hated having his portrait painted, but as president of the United States, he knew his image needed to live on. This nonfiction picture book explores how artist Gilbert Stuart created Washington’s most lasting and recognized portrait—the one that’s used on the one-dollar bill.
★★★THREE STARRED REVIEWS★★★
A Kirkus Best Picture Book of the Year · CCBC Choices 2025
Did you know that George Washington had a secret? He wore glasses! While initially embarrassed by his reliance on this reading aid, Washington’s spectacles proved to be nothing short of spectacular in this charming, funny, and little-known picture book story from American history.
★Booklist★
Download the GEORGE WASHINGTON’S SPECTACULAR SPECTACLES Discussion Guide.
Unfolding like a play, this riveting nonfiction picture book tells the tense and suspenseful story of Major General Benedict Arnold and Major John André, two critical figures from American History. Featuring intrigue, betrayal, and high drama, here’s the story of two revolutionary rogues who almost brought down Commander in chief George Washington and the Continental army.
NCSS/CBC Notable Trade Social Studies Book · Kansas Reading Circle Choice · Bank Street College Best Book · Tappantown Historical Society’s Achievement Award
Young fans of the smash Broadway hit “Hamilton” will enjoy this narrative nonfiction picture book story about the important friendship between George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette during the Revolutionary War.
Society of School Librarians International Book Award Honor · California Reading Association Eureka! Nonfiction Honor · Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year · Booklist Top Ten Biography for Youth
Here is the first-ever picture book about female Revolutionary War activist Prudence Wright, who rallied the first and only group of “minute women” to fight the British, changing history in the process. This untold story of a courageous and brave woman continues to inspire today.
★★TWO STARRED REVIEWS★★
Bank Street Best Book of the Year
Download the REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT Discussion Guide.
How did Ben Franklin become an outspoken leader of the American Revolution? Learn all about it in seven (not-so-easy) steps in this humorous, accessible middle-grade chapter book that focuses on Ben’s political awakening.
Thomas Jefferson was more than a president and patriot. He was also a planter and gardener who loved to watch things grow—everything from plants and crops to even his brand-new nation.
American Farm Bureau Foundation for Education Recommended Book
Young readers of all ages will love this story about President Thomas Jefferson, who found his passion as soon as he learned to read: books, books, and more books! Fun fact: Thomas Jefferson’s collection of books started the Library of Congress!
Here is the remarkable story of Deborah Sampson, a woman who fought in the American Revolution disguised as a man—and who ends up finding her true identity and purpose in life.
Bank Street Best Book of the Year
Besides being a general and the first president of the United States, did you know that George Washington was also a farmer? Here’s a look at America’s first President as he’s rarely seen.
★★TWO STARRED REVIEWS★★
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year · NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book · American Farm Bureau Foundation for Education Recommended Book
During the Revolutionary War, African Americans took up their own fight for freedom by joining the British and American armies; preaching, speaking out, and writing about the evils of slavery; and establishing settlements in Nova Scotia and Africa. These thirteen stories spotlight charismatic individuals, focusing on the choices they made and how they changed America both then and now.
Thomas Jefferson is one of the most famous founding fathers, but did you know that his mind was always on science? This STEM/STEAM picture book tells how Jefferson’s scientific thinking and method battled against faulty facts and bias to prove that his new nation was just as good as any in the Old World.
★★★★FOUR STARRED REVIEWS★★★★
A Kirkus Best Picture Book of the Year · 2025 Texas Topaz List
Download the THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE Discussion Guide.
Updated June 2025
